This solution abstract describes a new and innovative cyberspace Modeling and Simulation (M&S) solution to support cyber mission planning, proficiency training, cyber situational understanding (SU), and exercise support. We have developed unique enhancements that improve the state of the art for commercial mobile network testbeds and training environments. Specific enhancements include: 1) an integrated high fidelity, flexible, and cost-effective LVC environment that supports commercial mobile network equipment; 2) capability for full 3GPP network protocol stack analysis with the ability to create customized message sets; and 3) unique capability for live and virtualized ‘mobile app’ traffic generation seamlessly integrated with the commercial modeling and simulation platform. This environment allows live 4G LTE technology to be integrated with a mix of live, virtualized, and simulated handsets to support rapid Course of Action analysis.
Our technical approach is based on using a commercial modeling and simulation software package to minimize technical risk. We enhance this platform with new Hardware in the Loop (HITL) modules that support seamless integration with live commercial 4G Radio Access Networks (RANs) and Access Points (APs). These can then be connected to live handsets using 4G Radio Frequency (RF) spectrum. This cost effective integrated solution provides a previously unavailable level of fidelity for mobile network interfaces and endpoint devices in an M&S environment. The operator and analyst can utilize live handsets interacting with a simulated network, yet have the ability to perform full 3GPP protocol traffic analysis to explore the effect of adversary cyberspace effects. In addition, the operator can substitute specific simulated Network Elements (NEs) with live NEs to support mission requirements. The operator can also install mobile apps onto live handsets as well as virtualized handsets in the simulated domain and have them interact with each other.
Our solution allows NEs and handsets to be placed at specific Lat/Long/Altitude coordinates and mapped onto simulated terrain. As needed, specific NEs can be selected to be live. Mobility allows live and simulated handsets to move from one location to another, affected by RF propagation characteristics. It supports commercial handsets for the live domain, Android Virtual Device (AVD) handsets for the emulated domain, and simulated handsets for the simulated domain. Interoperability between all handsets mapped to simulated terrain includes interoperability up through mobile applications for live and emulated handsets and the ability to install commercially available mobile apps for high-fidelity traffic. The simulation system feeds GPS coordinates to apps and can collect analysis results from NEs, network traffic and mobile handsets.
Our system provides unique cyber SU to support mission planning, course of action analysis and proficiency training for mobile networks and support the emerging needs of both Cross-Functional Teams pursuing the Army’s network modernization goals.